Chapter 72

Two months later, Wen Xin received the full amount of compensation.

Over a million—a fortune she’d never dreamed of possessing. She couldn’t put her feelings into words upon seeing so much money, only that her nose tingled with emotion, a whirlwind of memories flooding her mind. She thought of her parents, their old home, and the life they’d once shared.

Her colleagues, whom she wasn’t particularly close to, heard the news and offered smiling congratulations on her revenge finally served and on her sudden transformation into a rich woman.

Wen Xin nodded with a smile and thanked them sincerely from the heart, but a lingering bitterness remained deep inside.

Later, Shi Qianyu asked her, “Shall we go visit your parents this weekend?”

“Mm.” Wen Xin agreed without hesitation. Come Saturday morning, the two set off early for the cemetery.

The place was as tranquil as ever. The moment they stepped onto the grounds, the world around them fell silent. The clamor from outside seemed cut off entirely, and even the wind grew chillier.

Wen Xin approached her parents’ tombstones and lit incense for them as usual. She recounted every event from the past few months, explaining even the smallest details clearly.

“Dad, Mom, I’ve gotten back the inheritance you left me.” Only in front of her parents could Wen Xin cast aside all pretense, temporarily shedding her adult facade to pour out her heart like a child who had never grown up. “Over a million—so much money. I’ve never had this much before.”

“Don’t worry, Mom and Dad. I won’t spend it recklessly. I don’t have a head for investments and wouldn’t dare take risks, so I went with the safest option: I put most of it in the bank. For the rest, I plan to divide it into three parts. One for improving myself—traveling, learning the things I’ve always wanted to. Another to spend on friends, to thank them for all their care over the days.”

“And the last part, I want to use on A-Yu.” She lowered her voice instinctively, feeling these words were too embarrassing to be overheard. “A-Yu’s been so good to me, so good that I might never repay her kindness in this lifetime. I didn’t have the means before, but now that I have money, I want to give back however I can, to treat her as well as possible.”

“I’ll live happily, always full of joy.” Wen Xin reached out to touch the tombstone, as if she could reach across the divide of life and death to feel the warmth of her parents’ faces. “You don’t need to worry.”

“Truth is, money isn’t what I want.” Though she’d resolved not to cry, the morning wind must have been too strong, stinging her eyes until tears welled up anyway. Wen Xin lowered her gaze and covered her face, her voice turning pitiful. “I just wish you had never left.”

“If I could, I’d give up everything—including my own life—just to have you alive again.”

…

Leaving the cemetery always left her feeling especially heavy-hearted.

Wen Xin sat silently in the passenger seat. Shi Qianyu noticed her low mood and said nothing to disturb her. Instead, she turned on the car’s audio system and played some gentle music.

The car cruised slowly forward, gradually reentering the city. It was nearly noon by then—too late to head home and cook.

With the rare day off, Shi Qianyu wanted to treat Wen Xin to a proper day of relaxation. She asked softly, “Sister, is there anything you’d like to eat?”

Wen Xin snapped back to the present. “What?”

Shi Qianyu patiently repeated herself. “We won’t have time to go home and make lunch. Let’s eat out. Anything you’re craving?”

After thinking for a few seconds, Wen Xin replied, “Sichuan cuisine.”

Shi Qianyu pressed, “Which place?”

Wen Xin shook her head. “Anywhere’s fine.”

She’d almost suggested the Sichuan spot downstairs from her office, but remembered at the last moment that it had closed months ago. She’d asked Shi Qianyu about it once, and learned the restaurant boss—getting on in years with declining health—had no choice but to move to another city for treatment and rest.

Wen Xin had felt regretful at the time but understood. She just wondered when she’d taste such delicious food again.

“I heard from a client there’s a new Sichuan place on Galaxy Road with great reviews. Want to give it a try?” Shi Qianyu suggested casually.

Wen Xin had no objections and nodded lightly. “Mm, sure.”

The car pressed on and soon arrived at their destination.

Weekends always drew crowds, and with the decent food and peak lunch hour, the restaurant was packed.

Fortunately, neither Shi Qianyu nor Wen Xin had anywhere else to be, so they didn’t mind waiting. They took seats in the lounge area—one lost in thought, the other staring fondly at her.

After a while, Shi Qianyu smiled and secretly took Wen Xin’s hand, pressing a light kiss to it.

Wen Xin froze for a second, then startled as realization hit. “A-Yu, w-what are you doing?”

She rarely showed affection with Shi Qianyu in public. It had taken gradual coaxing for her to finally work up the courage to kiss in the car where others might see. This bold move was far too stimulating.

She sensed eyes glancing their way. Wen Xin’s cheeks flushed red, and she ducked her head in embarrassment, too shy to meet Shi Qianyu’s gaze. “There are so many people around.”

“It was just a kiss on the hand, and I was careful. No one noticed.” Shi Qianyu reassured her, holding tight and refusing to let go.

Wen Xin still felt nervous and knew she ought to pull away. But Shi Qianyu’s palm was so warm, her skin soft and smooth—the feel of it was wonderful, too good to release.

It was just holding hands, nothing more.

Unwilling to give up this hidden, intimate warmth, Wen Xin held still and let her keep holding on.

Several tables cleared one after another, and soon it was their turn.

Shi Qianyu and Wen Xin entered a private room together. Even after sitting down, they kept holding hands. The server brought the menu, and Shi Qianyu naturally slid it over to Wen Xin first.

Wen Xin didn’t stand on ceremony and ordered several signature dishes they both enjoyed. Deep down, she still hoped the flavors would suit her perfectly.

But when the plates arrived and she took a few tentative bites, disappointment set in.

Shi Qianyu noticed the frown right away. “Not to your taste?”

“Ah, it’s fine, really.” Wen Xin shook her head quickly. Perhaps from spending so much time with Shi Qianyu and being spoiled rotten, her palate had grown pickier. Objectively speaking, the food was good enough.

She worried Shi Qianyu might think her fussy and even started chiding herself. Back when she had no money, having food on the table was a luxury—why complain now?

“Try it too, A-Yu.” She forced a smile and gave an impartial review. “It’s all pretty good.”

But she couldn’t lie well, and Shi Qianyu saw right through it.

Rather than scold her, Shi Qianyu declared firmly, “They can’t make the taste Sister likes. We won’t come back.”

“No, no.” Wen Xin shook her head in a hurry. “It’s not that bad.”

Shi Qianyu smiled and stood up abruptly. “Wait here for me a bit, Sister?”

Wen Xin blinked in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

Without a word, Shi Qianyu leaned down and kissed her quickly. “I’ll be right back.”

Wen Xin: “?”

–

True to her word, Shi Qianyu returned swiftly. Wen Xin watched in astonishment as she personally carried in a dish.

It was Maoxuewang, loaded with fresh ingredients that filled the air with aroma—clearly different from the version already on the table.

Stunned, Wen Xin quickly cleared space for it. “A-Yu, where did you get this?”

Shi Qianyu played coy, not answering directly. “Give it a taste?”

“Okay.” Wen Xin picked up her chopsticks, took a slice of beef tripe, and chewed. Her eyes lit up instantly. “I love this flavor!”

“Good?” Shi Qianyu asked with a grin.

“So good.” Wen Xin nodded. This Maoxuewang was exactly her favorite style. “Did another chef make it?”

Shi Qianyu nodded. “Yeah, Master Shi did.”

“Master Shi?” Wen Xin paused. “Don’t tell me that’s you…”

Before she could finish, Shi Qianyu’s smile widened even more.

Wen Xin quickly pieced it together. She’d never known Shi Qianyu had such skills—or how she’d talked her way into the kitchen. Her surprise showed plainly on her face.

Before Wen Xin could question her, Shi Qianyu explained. “I learned it specially. I got the secret recipe from that Sichuan place downstairs from your office. I was planning to surprise you on your birthday, but I couldn’t hold back. So I slipped the kitchen some cash and got to work.”

“Do you like it, Sister?” Her eyes sparkled as she beamed proudly.

“I love it.” Wen Xin nodded, deeply touched by the gesture. Afraid to misread the situation, she hesitated before asking softly, “…Did you learn it for me, A-Yu?”

“Of course.” Shi Qianyu confirmed. “I was afraid you’d never get to eat your favorite again, so I learned.”

Like a professional chef, she flashed an elegant smile, bowed gracefully, and joked seriously with Wen Xin. “Forgive my amateur skills—they’re not fit for your eyes.”

“Not at all.” Wen Xin shook her head. She knew Shi Qianyu meant to make her laugh, but instead, her eyes grew misty and red.

Wen Xin felt that she might have been too much of a crybaby today, too fragile. She worried that Shi Qianyu would think she was being overly dramatic, so she deliberately masked her emotions, keeping her eyes lowered as she focused on eating her vegetables. It wasn’t until she had finally held back her tears that she spoke up again. “So delicious. It’s the best Sichuan cuisine I’ve ever tasted.”

Shi Qianyu noticed the flicker in her eyes and gently stroked her soft hair, but she didn’t call her out on it. “That’s good.”

Her gaze was calm and profound, her palm warm.

Shi Qianyu was a truly good person, and she treated Wen Xin well too. Ever since the day Wen Xin had met her, she had known it. She had felt surprise, evasion, joy—and now, suddenly, fear.

It wasn’t for any other reason. She was afraid that if there really came a day when they had to part ways, she would be unable to cope, completely at a loss.